The University of Illinois Office of University Counsel

University of Illinois System
Urbana/Champaign Campus
Chicago Campus
Springfield Campus
Urbana/Champaign Campus
Chicago Campus
Springfield Campus

Our Locations

Locations

Who We Are

University Counsel is the chief legal officer for the University and serves as legal advisor to the President and the Board. In addition, attorneys in the Office of University Counsel provide legal advice and representation to the University, its administrators at all campuses, employees, University Related Organizations and other agents of the University who seek such advice on behalf of the University arising out of their official University responsibilities.
Who We Are

What We Provide

The Office of University Counsel provides advice to the University on a variety of legal issues. This legal advice and counsel covers an extremely wide variety of subject matters. Attorneys and staff include specialists who have unique skills and training related to specific subject matters, as well as “generalists” who are well versed in multiple areas of law and policy.
What We Provide

How To Reach Us

In order to support a complex, multifaceted client like the University, the Office of University Counsel is organized in a manner that best meets the needs of the client. Each campus has a Campus Legal Counsel who manages several attorneys. This organizational approach allows the attorneys to be readily available with and within close proximity to their clients while providing a direct line of communication to the Chancellor.
How To Reach Us
Legal

Thomas R. Bearrows

 University Counsel

Tom is a general officer of the Board of Trustees and the University and serves as the legal advisor to the Board, the President, and other University administrative officers.

Legal

Mark D. Henss

 Deputy University Counsel

Mark provides representation and advice and assists the University Counsel with management of legal services for the Board, the President, University officers, and all three campuses of the University.

Legal

Campus Legal Counsels

 All Campuses

Each campus has a Campus Legal Counsel who manages several attorneys. This organizational approach allows the attorneys to be readily available with and within close proximity to their clients while providing a direct line of communication to the Chancellor.

Legal

Our Team

 Attorneys and Staff

University Counsel’s team includes a Deputy University Counsel and three Campus Legal Counsels as well as University attorneys, Legal Fellows and law clerks. Additional team members include the Director of Operations and Strategic Services, business and administrative staff, attorney support staff, and the Chicago Claims staff.